Nkroful: Preparations are underway to commemorate the Kwame Nkrumah Festival (Nkrumahfest) 2026 as the planning committee has outlined a programme of activities to mark his 117th birthday at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the week-long celebration is on the theme: 'Nkrumah @117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy - Africa Must Unite or Perish.' It began with a community gala involving 12 teams from 12 communities, with the best four teams set to meet on Sunday for the final. Ahead of the final, a communal labour exercise was organised on Saturday, September 12, followed by a candlelight procession with brass band music to Teleku-Bokazo to create awareness.
Speaking to the agency, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. John Kwaw Nketiah, disclosed that an inter-faith service would be held on Sunday evening to commit the programme into God's hands. A mega homecoming summit would take place from Monday to Wednesday to host visitors from the diaspora, Accra, and Kumasi at Nkroful.
A food competition featuring local Nzema delicacies, with special reference to 'mgbotebele'-prepared with corn dough and light soup-will involve six communities, with the best cooks receiving awards. This would be followed by sounds and jams on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, there will be a People's Assembly featuring an interview session on the history of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah with elders of Nkroful before, during, and after his presidency, followed by a cultural dance competition among school children. The People's Assembly would continue on Friday with political heads in the area, followed by a quiz competition among school children.
A brass band float procession from Nkroful through Esiama to Kikam and back to Nkroful will follow, culminating in a fanfare on Friday night, with a grand durbar held on Saturday to climax the celebrations. Among the distinguished dignitaries expected are Professor Patrick Lumumba from Kenya, who will be the Guest Speaker, and President John Dramani Mahama, as well as Ministers of State and Chief Executive Officers.
Mr. Nketiah noted that another festival group from Takoradi would stage a programme dubbed 'Convoy,' with a motorcade of 50 vehicles, to tap into the organisational acumen of the Nkrumahfest Organising Committee to replicate the festival in Takoradi. The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, together with his cultural troupe from the Northern Region, will be in attendance to perform.
Saturday night will feature a programme dubbed 'Nkrumah Show Boy' at the Yinson Hall at 1900 hours. An inter-faith thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, September 20, at the NASS Park to thank God for His mercies and protection. A mega Artiste Night musical concert will also take place on Sunday, featuring musicians such as Kofi Kinaata, Freddie Meiway, and Shatta Wale.
Mr. Nketiah assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to control the crowd and ensure peaceful celebrations.